Published 25 August 2025
Updated 29 September 2025.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is reviewing its treatment approach for managing fire ants on certified organic properties.
We confirmed that the fire ant treatment product used on properties certified as organic under Australian standards in targeted fire ant areas may be unsuitable. Two ingredients in the product—soybean oil and corn grit—have been sourced from genetically modified (GM) soybean and corn. These ingredients are not live and viable, so they are not genetically modified organisms and do not require approval from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) to be used in the treatment product. Visit the OGTR's website for more information.
The National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce (the National Standard for export) prohibits GM material, as do many private domestic organic standards. The active ingredient, S-methoprene, may be used on properties certified as organic under the National Standard for export, subject to conditions imposed by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Because the soybean oil and corn grit are not GM-free, we have suspended treatment on all known organic properties while we source non-GM alternatives. This action upholds organic industry standards and protects organic operators and communities from fire ants.
We are working with organic peak bodies, relevant authorities, and organic operators to assess and minimise any impact on certification. We also ask operators certified under private domestic organic standards to seek guidance from their certifying body, which is best placed to advise on domestic certification matters.
While we have suspended treatment on certified organic properties, we continue treating non-organic properties. We may request confirmation of certification to ensure when necessary. Maintaining eradication efforts is critical to eliminating this globally recognised super pest.
For questions, submit an online enquiry.